Insight knowledge comes from direct experience, not from intellectual understanding.

The way is basically perfect. It is not a matter of practice or enlightenment.

The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another.

The secret of happiness lies not in getting what we want, but in learning to want what we already have.

Happiness is a skill that can be developed like playing an instrument or learning to read.

When you note pain, you should not dwell on the thought, "I feel pain." Simply recognize the presence of pain.

We deal with our mind from morning until evening, and it can be our best friend or our worst enemy.

Change is possible because there is nothing inherently permanent about our disturbing emotions.

The truth of suffering is not to be feared but to be understood through direct observation.

True peace is found not in the absence of experience but in the clear seeing of all experience.

When both body and mind are at peace, all things appear as they are: perfect, complete, lacking nothing.

Right View is not just a matter of intellectual understanding but of seeing things as they really are.

The mind creates the abyss, and the heart crosses it.

The ultimate source of happiness is not money and power, but warm-heartedness.

The Buddha never taught a sectarian religion; he taught Dhamma - the way to liberation - which is universal.

Liberation is found in the practice, not in the theory.

The whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass.

To see the truth, do not be for or against. The struggle between for and against is the mind's worst disease.

The role of Zen is neither to stand above life nor to run away from it, but to face it with a spirit of determination.

Devotion is the head of meditation, as is often said. When you are inspired by some spiritual teacher, you can have a very strong connection with that person, and thereby the blessings can enter.

If you truly loved yourself, you could never hurt another.

Every being has the potential of becoming a Buddha. Our true nature is Buddha nature.

When you do something, you should burn yourself completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself.

Equanimity is not indifference. It is the balanced state of mind.

Forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past could have been any different.

Don't be a bodhisatta; don't be an arahant; don't be anything at all. Being something makes you suffer.

The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.

The force of the kindness of others is so strong, we can't possibly measure it.

We don't set out to save the world; we set out to wonder how other people are doing and to reflect on how our actions affect other people's hearts.

Faith is the firm foundation, diligence the supporting pillar, and wisdom the roof of the house of practice.

When you note pain, you are not trying to make it go away. You are trying to understand its true nature.

Ardently do today what must be done. Who knows? Tomorrow, death comes.